Android
After OnePlus, Oppo’s 4 OS update promise going to benefit Samsung customers?
Android updates game is now becoming more and more adventurous, and this immense competition will benefit Samsung consumers. OnePlus recently promised to bring up to 4 Android + 5 years of regular security updates to select flagship devices launched in 2023, and Oppo now makes a similar announcement.
As reported by AndroidAuthority, Oppo announced a revised updates policy, promising 4 major ColorOS versions along with five years of security patches. Notably, the Chinese phone maker didn’t specifically mention Android updates, while, it promised three Android updates to flagships last year.
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Since Oppo’s new updates guarantee is going to only benefit devices launching next year, the current topmost flagships such as Find X5 Pro and Find N is compatible with a total of three Android updates. Oppo noted that this applied to “selected flagship models” starting in 2023.
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At present, the only confirmed information is that Oppo promised four major ColorOS updates, rather than Android. Similar to Samsung, the Chinese vendor also introduces x.1 versions of ColorOS, which can be referred to a major ColorOS update, but it can’t be an Android upgrade.
Benefit for Samsung fans
Earlier this year, Samsung announced its new Android updates policy, which promises up to 4 major Android/One UI updates and five years of regular security patches. Ahead of rivals, the Korean tech giant clearly mentioned which devices are eligible for the revised software policy.
As the OS updates competition is getting tough day by day, Google is now helpless to confirm at least 4 OS updates for Pixel devices. On the flip side, this software updates race is going to benefit Samsung customers, which could be up to 5 Android upgrades for flagships.
Not only premium, but select mid-range Galaxy devices are also eligible for four OS updates along with five years of regular patches. Seeing this, flagship Galaxy customers wish there should be at least five major upgrades along with better security patch support than mid-range devices.
Update – December 27// According to Android Authority, Oppo confirmed that select smartphones launched in 2023 will have 4 major Android OS updates. Earlier, the company noted ColorOS instead of Android OS, which left confusion among consumers.
Google has kicked off the Developer Preview for Android 16, arriving earlier than expected. Usually, these previews begin in February, but Android 16 DP1 is launching three months ahead of schedule this year.
The earlier release of the DP1 is because Google has moved the official Android 16 release from the third quarter to the second quarter of 2025. It aims to ensure that more devices get access to the major Android updates sooner.
Android 16 DP1 is available for several Pixel devices, including the pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel Pro Fold, as well as the Android Emulator. It can be identified through version BP21.241018.009.
The Android 16 Developer Preview brings new features for app developers. It brings a system photo picker that will help apps give users a smoother, more integrated way to select photos without needing extra permissions.
Another new feature is Health Connect, which lets apps access and manage medical records in FHIR format, but only with user permission. The update also includes the latest version of the Privacy Sandbox for privacy protection.
This preview program runs from November 2024 until the final public release next year. Android 16 Beta Program will begin in January, with the final stable release expected in Q2 of 2025. Stay tuned for more updates.
Android 16 to make Quick Settings access easier with one-finger swipe
Google has released the first beta of Android 15 QPR2 for Pixel users. The update can be identified via build version BP11.241025.006. However, users are also waiting for the stable release of Android 15 QPR1 in December this year.
Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 update comes with the November 2024 security patch. It is available for a wide range of Pixel devices, including Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, as well as the Android Emulator.
Quarterly Platform Releases are updates that bring more noticeable changes and new features compared to the usual monthly bug fixes. These updates are perfect for testing out bigger UI changes or new features that don’t need to wait for a full Android version release.
The QPR2 Beta 1 is the second major update for Android 15, with the final version expected to launch in March 2025 (via 9to5Google). This update brings the usual bug fixes, security enhancements, and new features to test.
Users participating in the beta program are advised to report any issues via the Android Beta Feedback app, easily accessible through the app drawer or Quick Settings. Install the update now to get an enhanced experience.
Android 16 to make Quick Settings access easier with one-finger swipe
Google is reportedly going to bring an interesting change with Android 16, which will no longer require two fingers to pull down the Quick Settings panel. Previously, there were concerns that users would need to swipe down with two fingers to bring up the Quick Settings. Fortunately, Google has decided to simplify this process.
With Android 16, accessing the Quick Settings will only require a single-finger swipe down on the right half of the status bar. The one-finger swipe access aligns it more closely similar to other Android manufacturers, like OnePlus and Samsung, have designed their systems.
Several users didn’t like the idea of needing two fingers to swipe down, as it felt more awkward and less convenient. By switching to a single-finger swipe for Android 16, Google will make it easier for users to manage their settings with less effort. A well-known tipster Mishaal Rahman (via Android Authority) spotted the code for this Quick Settings change.
However, the new design still lacks the ability to swipe seamlessly between the notifications and Quick Settings panels. Hopefully, Google will add this feature before the official release.
In addition to the swipe change, Android 16 will introduce resizable Quick Settings tiles and better categorization to help users find specific settings more easily.
However, these features are still being worked on and may not be fully ready in the current beta. They are expected to roll out in the final Android 16 release, which is expected in mid-2025.